The Porsche 911 is bold enough to take the race track on the world stage but graceful enough to capture the imaginations of car loving children.

I had a Porsche 911 poster on my bedroom wall, years ago.

It has stood the test of time, and even with continual upgrades, the Porsche 911 maintains much of it’s original image. For example, the 991 series is a new platform but only the third total platform in the car’s 50 year history.

The Porsche 911 is also known for highlighting advancements in automotive engineering and performance.

In 1990, a Tiptronic Transmission was featured; considered fairly standard today in sports cars, but ahead of the curve at the time.

It seems most car enthusiasts dream of having a Porsche, including our own, Jonathan Orr. His affinity for Porsches are well documented and he refers to his as a family member. Vic Elford built a legacy with the Porsche namesake and in 1999, the Porsche 911 was listed 5th of 26 nominees in the Car of the Century awards.

Below, PicClick.com gives us a three part series on the Porsche 911 as it has molded and changed through the years.

“Mary is a single mother of two with a college education and limited disposable income . . . ”

“Chuck is a single professional, finished grad school, and just purchased his first home . . .”

And so on and so on . . .

The idea is to use these personas to help identify specific needs and tastes and tailor products for those segments.

No doubt every auto manufacturer does something similar when developing new models, creating faux customer profiles to help identify vital design factors. Like a phony spoiler to appeal to the boy-racers out there, or a built-in purse holder for soccer moms in minivans.

If it works for the manufacturers to apply personas to us, I think it’s high time we as customers apply the same thinking to the manufacturers themselves. This might just provide us with a powerful new decision-making rubric when purchasing automobiles.After all, I think most of us would admit we tend to focus on rather petty traits when we choose a car—sleek lines, horsepower stats, perceived image. Most of us stopped choosing our friends based on the clothes they wore sometime during high school (Kim Kardashian and company not included), but when it comes to cars, we still seem to be drawn to prom queens rather than potential soul mates.

Perhaps a brand persona for car companies would avoid a lot of broken car relationships, like an eHarmony for automotive buying.

So after a highly technical process that involved historical analysis, my own personal experience, and a few cocktails, here’s my suggested “persona” for a few major car companies. Pick the personality that suits you best and then check the answer key below to see which manufacturer is “just right: for you.

And good luck with your next relationship. Oops, I mean car purchase . . .

A. William: His given name is William, but he of course goes by “Billy Bob.” A country boy, Billy Bob is rock ribbed and patriotic in that flag waving, Budweiser kind of way.

Billy Bob hit a rough patch during the Great Recession, but is recently on a self-improvement kick, hitting the gym, wearing nicer clothes, and using government loans to go to night school.

While he’s improving, Billy Bob may still embarrass you in front of the relatives. Watch out for loud burps in public or pranks like turning the car off while you are driving it.

B. Hans: Hans is buff and handsome. He’s always been buff and handsome.

Don’t try to be as good as Hans, because everyone tries and usually fails. You will too.

With a taste for craft cocktails, fancy clothes, and lots of accessories, Hans is an expensive friend to have, but always knows how to get into the latest hot spots. Hans is, of course, super rich due to his family’s fortune, but he’s usually in a dispute with his parents.

It’s fun hanging out with Hans since he attracts a lot of women, but deep down, you always worry the girls are more interested in Hans than you. And you’d be right.

C. Reynard: Reynard comes from an intellectual family of stodgy Bavarians. Fit, charming, and amiable, Reynard also has an arrogant and pretentious streak.

But he’s that cool kid all the other kids want to hang out with. At least everyone says he’s cool. And if he is that cool, you want to be with Reynard, too.

Something of a hypochondriac, spending time with Reynard means you will likely wind up at the doctor for many expensive, regular checkups.

D. Skyla: Skyla comes from simple British stock, but has great ambitions and has lately spread herself thin in many questionable ventures.

In her youth, Skyla could get by on just her looks, which covered up for frequent job performance issues. Now middle aged, that cuteness has worn thin and she’s starting to look a bit awkward and plump, like her clothes are a size too small.

You may have a good time with Skyla, but once her charm has worn off, you realize she’s something of a cheap tart who often leaves you with a hangover in the morning.

E. Jane: Jane’s that kid in high school who was always the girl next door—cute but not beautiful, athletic but not a star. Jane’s solid and dependable – someone you know grandma would love if you brought her home. Even though she grew up simple, Jane’s increasingly cosmopolitan of late.

The problem is, you can tell Jane’s just a little nouveau riche. But she’s trying.

Good for you, Jane.

F. Winston: Winston comes from English old money, with one of those odd hyphenated last names like Randolph-Pheasant or Downhurst-Wallace.

Despite appearances, Winston’s old money is really no-money. If you look carefully, you can see his Jermyn Street suits are getting a bit threadbare and out of style, and his cell phone is still a flip phone model from 2005. What Winston really needs is to marry someone with a sizeable dowry to fix his money woes.

Hmmm, perhaps there’s a countess in Italy or Germany who could make a perfect partner?

G. Yuki: Yuki was born in Japan, but now considers himself all-American. A brilliant engineer, you can always rely on Yuki to fix your car. Or your laptop. Or your superconducting supercollider. The problem with Yuki is he’s just—well, a little dull.

He wears khaki Dockers. He never stays out all night. All his cans in the kitchen are lined up. By color.

Yuki won’t ever crash your car or stick you with a big bar tab, but after a while with him, you’ll start wishing you’d joined Hans for that trip to the latest trendy brew pub, or took Skyla out for the night.

Today makes the 80th birthday of “Quick” Vic Elford, one of the most notable racers of the 1960’s and 70’s. As a driver, he was a veritable powerhouse, competing in everything from sports and rally cars to Formula 1 and CanAm, even the Datyona 500.

During his five years with Porsche, he raced every version of the 917.

In 1986, he won the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally in a Porsche 911 and then took home a win in Daytona, at the Rolex 24 Hour race, the following weekend.

“Quick Vic” then nailed a come-from-behind win at the 1968 Targa Florio, which still stands as one of the most iconic moments in the history of that race.

Elford and his co-driver, Umberto Maglioli, lost 18 minutes at the beginning due to a tyre fault but were able to make a successful run and finish over a minute ahead. In recognition, Porsche dedicated the victory poster not to the car, but to “Quick Vic.”

This is was the first and only time that happened.

During the 1972 24 Hours of Le Mans, a Ferrari crashed ahead of Elford and he stopped to help the driver.

The car had burst into flames.

“Quick Vic” was named “Knight of the National Order of Merit” or Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite by French President Georges Pompidou for his act of courage.

Elford was inducted to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001.

Today, he makes a number of special appearances ranging from driving instruction to public speaking. His likeness appears in The Speed Merchants and today, Elford offers his voice and expertise for a variety of mediums. He has penned three books and continues to write on a regular basis

My fourth baby didn’t arrive the way the other three did. No nurses or scary probes, no bright lights or IV lines dripping the pain killer that kept my wife from screaming.

Instead, my fourth arrived late one chilly night in March of 2013, on the back of a flatbed truck from Milwaukee.

This baby was my new headache and heartache – my shapely redhead.

It was my 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera.

I bought it sight unseen but I was finally satisfying a lifelong desire to drive a hot car.

And yes, it was a midlife crisis.

After the arrival of my third child, I had reached that moment of uncertainty and inertia in life that only career angst and mortgages can bring on.

A sports car—even a used one—provides guys like me a faint glow of achievement; a sense that the suburbs may not be our only destiny.

It may be a spray on tan glow, but it still looks good from five feet away.

I always imagined driving a Porsche would lead to instant rock star treatment. At every red light I’d face gawking motorists. Small boys on the sidewalk would weep with envy. Women would throw themselves on the hood (gently please ladies—don’t scratch the paint) and there might even be a theme song playing.

On my first drive, I held my breath, waiting for heads to turn and women to swoon.

I waited.

And waited.

There had been a few stares, a few knowing smiles but I mostly found anonymity.

I’m still waiting for that hot blond to launch herself onto my hood.

What attention I have enjoyed is usually unwanted. There was a drunk guy in the grocery store parking lot who leered and offered to trade cars (no thanks) and I found rollin’ in a Porsche suddenly makes that case for a raise a lot harder.

Mine is 12 years old and costs less than the new Hyundai I parked next to, but tell that to your boss or coworkers now gossiping about your ride.

Of course, the reason we all want the exotic car with more exhaust pipes than doors is not for the attention, but the shear performance: tire smoking tire burnouts at stop lights, high-g turns on twisty mountain roads and more!

And then I put my four year old son in his car seat, in the back, and reality sets in.

Although I’ve indulged in my share of high RPM blasts, I generally find I play it safe. When rear tires are $400 apiece and a blown clutch may be the difference between sending my kids to community college rather than to Harvard, the urge to red-line the car after each stoplight is suddenly less compelling.

Perhaps it’s just the ultimate irony of the midlife crisis, that by the time you get the fast car, you are too careful and mature to have fun with it.

Or maybe I’m just smarter?

I’d like to think the latter, but with AARP membership closer in years now than my college graduation, I suspect I’ve just become that dreaded species: a middle aged adult.

Succumbing to my midlife crisis and buying a red Porsche 911 has not changed my life. I’m not richer (quite the contrary) and I’m not fighting off the paparazzi with my new supermodel girlfriend.

Life with a Porsche is just—life.

But I’ve found that addressing a midlife crisis with a sports car is really about the pure satisfaction of having one. I never once open the garage door to gaze at our SUV the way I have with the Porsche. Even if I don’t do the rear-end-sliding burnout, at least I know I could, and it sure would look a lot cooler in a Porsche than a Honda.

My Porsche 911 has not cured all that ails me, but for a few minutes in the day, I can climb into my car and know I’ve checked something off the bucket list.

I’m driving what most people only dream about. I’ve done something I’ve always wanted to do.

Although it saddens me to think that some folks have mistreated these really gorgeous cars, it puts a glimmer of warmth in my heart to think that all of you have the chance to find these and restore them to their original glory.

While rare barn finds aren’t an every day event – hence the “rare” word I used – anytime someone finds one, it puts one amazing, beautiful, old car back on the asphalt for the rest of us to “oooh and aaah” at.

If you have ever randomly seen a fully-restored ’55 Ford Thunderbird on the road, you know what I’m talking about.

Some cars are just too damn pretty to be rusting in a barn.

Here are some rare, barn find cars that you can dream about finding and restoring.

Bugatti Type 57

This 1930s work of art came in many different versions and options but only about 710 were produced from 1934-1940. It was designed by Jean Bugatti and was one of his proudest build designs ever.

It was supplied with a 135hp 3.3L Grand Prix-inspired motor. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself back in the ‘30s. Now imagine you are in one of the only production cars that could reach 95 mph!

Don’t you feel like a king?

Well, one of these has recently been found, in Europe, completely deteriorate . . . an artfully, crafted rust-bucket. However, after being sold for $8,745,000 in 2013, it was restored to its original beauty, complete with the two-tone “shimmer black” and “canary yellow” paint job!

Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder

You’ll be rolling in the dough should you ever be lucky enough to find one of these and decide to sell it. They range anywhere from $5.1 million to $15.5 million, depending on which model you find.

This amazingly, gorgeous car was specifically designed for export to the United States. Of all of the versions, the ’61 SWB is, hands-down, the most valuable. It came with a 276hp 3.0L V12, disc brakes, and a lightweight aluminum body.

The transmission was borrowed from the 250 Tour de France racer, which offered plenty of pull for the V12 engine.

Should you choose to restore and keep it, ya know . . . once you find one, you can contact Ferrari and they will custom make interior components from the original plans because they just don’t carry parts for this car at Autozone.

Porsche 916

So you may not count this one because only prototypes were completed and none were actually made for production, but you should.

This cool ride was built on the design of the 914 but was made as a seriously upgrade version. The 916 was to have aerodynamically designed front and rear bumpers plus engine options from the 911s and the Carrera. The 911s and Carrera were considerably fast cars for their time, however, at nearly two-thirds of the weight, the 916 would have been even faster.

So why would I include this on the list if none were produced? Because the prototypes had to have gone somewhere!

There were a total of 11 prototypes completed before the project was abandoned by Porsche.

Rolls-Royce 15hp

With a name like “15hp”, how could you not want one? This 1905 masterpiece by Rolls-Royce was packed with luxurious-for-the-time exterior options, and a 3,000cc motor.

Only six of these were ever made due to the complexity and cost of the design.

The motor was quite an issue as making 3 cylinders fit into a 2-cylinder block was expensive and took a lot of man-hours. The result of those hours, though, was a top speed of 39 mph and a standing quarter-mile time of somewhere around a month.

Of the six that were made, only one is known.

That leaves you 5 to find!

Aston Martin DB1

My favorite car on this list, the DB1, was a roadster for the “car guy” of the 1940s. A sturdy, 90hp 2L engine got this car up to 93 mph!

It wasn’t the speed that made this car amazing though. Just look at the thing!

It makes you want to put on some suspenders and bare-knuckle box a samurai. This car truly captures the essence of the gearhead golden days.

Its aerodynamic, curvy design makes this ride one of the sexiest ever built; like putting a set of spoke wheels on Scarlett Johansson.

If you ever happen across one of these, be prepared to grow the handlebar moustache this car deserves its owner to have!

HAPPY HUNTING!

*Editor’s Note: We don’t recommend putting spoke wheels on Scarlett Johansson but if you want to grow a handlebar moustache, then you have our support.*

For those of us that have a solid understanding of physics, the Porsche 911 has always been a little off. With motor hanging off the ass of the car, the 911 has been quite a handful in previous generations. All that junk in the trunk really helps with acceleration but it has been a problem in the corners. Basically, if you lift off the throttle mid corner, you and the ditch are going to become good friends. The more weight towards the rear of the car, the more likely this is to happen. It’s called snap steer and a lot of mid and rear engine cars are capable of this (obviously you won’t notice this in a Ferrari or McLaren).

In the last 20 years, Porsche has finally figured out how to engineer around that problem. REALLY wide tires and fancy electronics help control that J-Lo sized booty. The real answer has always been to center the weight. Physics prefers to centralize the mass between the front and rear tires. Any weight on the overhangs of the car is substantially more detrimental to handling than the same weight centered between the tires. This is why Subaru and Audi are known to understeer (engine is ahead of the front axle) and 911s have been known for lots of oversteer which then leads to snap steer when the car changes momentum quickly.

Porsche has had a model for almost two decades that corrects this. The Boxster (and subsequently the Cayman) had the engine directly behind the passenger compartment, ahead of the rear axle. This makes a lot more sense in the world of lateral Gs and inertia. The biggest issue with the Boxster and Cayman has been power. Porsche didn’t want those two cutting into the 911s segment and have kept a lid on the engine options. This line seems to have finally been crossed with the Cayman GT4.

The GT4 is sporting the Carrera S engine making 385 HP. This is a 45 HP gain over the GTS, which is the next model down. The top speed is 183 MPH, only 12 MPH short of the new 911 GT3. The GT4 comes exclusively with a purist friendly 6 speed manual, the kind with three pedals. It’s not all about speed though. The GT4 has lots of 911 GT3 parts installed. The majority of the braking system is from the GT3. The suspension is uprated to GT3-esque levels allowing the GT4 to tear apart the North Loop of the Nürburgring at 7 minutes and 40 seconds. That is Italian supercar territory. The interior is covered in leather and Alcantara, just as you would expect from a road going Porsche.

The best part, however, is the price. The GT4 will start at $84,600. That is a lot of car for the money. To get a 911 with similar performance, you have to spend over $115k on a Carrera GTS that isn’t as well suspensioned or braked. To get similar driving dynamics, you are going to have to get a GT3, which is $130k. The GT3 is a fair bit faster but you can buy a lot of stuff for that extra $45k. Like a supercharger or a bunch of track entry fees.

I doubt these will ever get down to an “every man” price like a regular Cayman. If you want to try one out, in a poor substitution sort of way, EA (e-mail me if you want to talk about them) has released an update on Real Racing 3 with the GT4. I am not sure that you can get a real feel for a car in a mobile game, but for some people it might be worth the endless grind and microtransactions to get it. No animosity here, I promise.

It looks like people are finally starting to buy luxury items again. The main three Euro brands have all seen a decent increase in sales over 2013. Mercedes is up 7%, BMW almost 10%, and Audi is up a whopping 15%! It seems that the economy might finally be on the mend enough for people to splurge again.

This got me thinking. If I was to buy a new Euro-beast, what would it be?

I really like the new Volvo V60. I know I’m weird, but you’ll survive. Then, I remembered that you can get a discount (sometimes) for picking it up at the factory. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, and Porsche allow you to have a new vehicle delivery experience at their factories. BMW even has a building dedicated to “customer experience” where you pick up your new car, peruse other new BMW models, and revel in German Modernism.

The coolest thing yet about this entire experience is that all the manufacturers listed above (expect Porsche, naturally) don’t charge for this. They actually give you a discount:

Mercedes and BMW both offer 7% off. Mercedes gives that discount off the total cost, whereas BMW gives it off the base MSRP. Audi offers 5% off base MSRP. Volvo’s website leads me to believe that there is no discount but some internet searching says otherwise. This may be an unpublished discount or just an internet rumor. With the first three, this means that you can take a European Vacation on the savings from your new car. Total savings on a nicely loaded E-class is over $5000. I mean, you were going to buy that E350 anyway. Why not drive your new car around Europe for free when you get it!?

It gets better too. Most of these marques seem to include two weeks insurance, discount airfare, and several locations around Europe to drop off your new ride when you’re done. There are tons of things within driving distance of these factories too.

From all the German factories, it is a short drive to the Nürburgring, if you are brave enough to take your new ride on the Green Hell. If you want some driving nirvana a little further south (Ok, it is 1100 miles) you can hit the Transf?g?r??an in Romania, or the Stelvio Pass in Italy.

More than likely, I would have to take my wife to Milan and Paris to make up for spending $50k on a new car. This makes me want to go pick up a BMW 328d Sports Wagon and tool around Europe for a few weeks. Who knows, maybe I will be able to do that some day.

Not so long ago, Pagani announced a roadster version of their amazing hypercar, the Huayra. The roadster version of the Huayra was originally expected in 2014. But a spokesperson for the Italian car firm said it should show up sometime within the next two years.

If history tells us anything, the Huayra roadster will be identical to its hardtop sibling. At its heart will be a 6-liter, twin-turbocharged Mercedes-Benz AMG V-12, churning out at least 700 horsepower.

The Huayra roadster will be sold in the United States but it will take some time before customers will get their cars.

Even with a price tag of $1.5 million, every one of these cars will be spoken for. So if the idea of a fast convertible floats your boat but a price tag of $1.5 million and a wait of at least two years doesn’t sit well with you, what can you do?

Thankfully, there are plenty of options on the market already for those looking for an exciting top down motoring experience.

Here are ten of the best:

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

The C7 Corvette Stingray Convertible launched with tons of fan fair and it’s easy to see why. The everyman’s supercar (yes, supercar) has fixed many of the problems the C6 had with a new structure eliminating chassis flex. It has the classic recipe for a sports car – front engine and rear drive.

An LT1 V-8 engine pumping out 455 horsepower and 460-pound feet of torque mated to a seven-speed manual or six-speed, paddled-shift automatic is a stomping performer. Zero-to-60 is dealt with in just over four seconds and a top speed of 185. There isn’t much more you can ask for. However, it does get better with a base price of only $56,000.

2014 Jaguar F-Type Roadster

Hailed as the spiritual successor to the E-Type – a car even Enzo Ferrari said was beautiful. A modern masterpiece by Ian Callum, the man behind the Escort Cosworth, Nissan R390 and of course the Aston Martin DB7 the F-Type is a return of the great British roadster.

With two engine options, a supercharged 3.6 liter V-6 and a 5-liter V-8 and three trim levels, the Jaguar F-Type is for the more sophisticated crowd. Prices are $69,875 for the base F-type, $81,975 for the 380 horsepower S variant and $92,875 for the V-8. Yes, there are better buys, but it’s a Jag.

2014 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

The seven-generation of the Porsche 911 marked a departure and received a great deal ire from purist when it introduced electronic power steering. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, it’s still a 911 and there is a reason why the car has only evolved since 1963. Of course, there will be convertible versions of this latest 911.

Available in multiple trim levels from the base Carrera, to the 4, S, 4S, Turbo and Turbo S, there are plenty of options for the person who wants their 911 experience to be open air. At the bottom is the Carrera for $96,200 and the top line Turbo S for $193,900. It could be called an easy choice, but 51 years of excellence proves to be a great choice.

2014 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

A tunnel, no top, and a high revving Ferrari V-8; is there anything else that needs to be said? Just as amazing to behold without its roof as it is in coupe form the 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider proves if there is a god, he is Italian, or at least loves the scream of a Ferrari engine.

A folding-hardtop sets this car off from others on this list, but 562 horsepower from a car that weighs just over 3,100 pounds means it’s right at home on this list. The price is more at $257,000 but driving dynamics that can’t be matched, the wind in your hair and of course a 4.5-liter V-8 that revs to 9,000, enough said.

2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

V-12? Check. All-wheel drive? Check. Sleek, striking design? Check. No roof? Check. This is a recipe for one of the craziest convertible driving experiences that can be had, and of course, it’s a Lamborghini.

Lamborghini providing cars for the person who thinks that Twisted Sister is too restrained, the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster ticks all of the boxes.

Power comes from a 6.5-liter V-12, with 691 horsepower mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that will launch you to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds. Top speed is an insane 217 miles an hour. Yes, the price is $441,600, but who cares?

2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible

Who doesn’t love a Mustang? Who doesn’t love a Mustang with no roof? And to make the entire thing even better, add a 5.8-liter supercharged V-8 a six-speed manual as standard and what you have is the 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible.

Zero-to-60 takes only 3.5 seconds on the way to its top speed, which is 155 miles an hour. Yes, the coupe has a claimed top speed of 202 mph but to prevent damage to the convertible top, 155 miles is the limit. With a price tag of only $60,110 it makes a great case for itself.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible

Until production of the C7 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 starts the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible holds the distinction as the most powerful convertible ever produced by General Motors. This isn’t the only feather in the cap of the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible, which features Magnetic Ride Control making the car as comfortable on a shopping run as it does carving up your favorite road.

Power comes from a 6.2-liter LSA V-8 that has been supercharged and is good for 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque. Both a six-speed manual and automatic can be had. How much for this package? Base price is $61,150.

2014 Audi R8 Spyder

This year marks the first time the Audi R8 Spyder has gone through a refresh since being introduced in 2007. Despite its age, the 2014 Audi R8 Spyder still shows it has some tricks up its sleeve. A supercar that can comfortably be someone’s daily driver and still provide the excitement and exclusivity of more expensive options is quite a trick. The R8 Spyder can do it though.

Your spyder can be had in two flavors – either a 4.2-liter V-8 or a 5.2-liter V-10 and neither is a bad choice. Transmission options are also two with either an S tronic or stick, both six-speed. Starting price is $128,400, for a supercar that will start every day, thrill you every day, sounds great.

2014 BMW M6 Convertible

If what you are looking for is a big, luxurious two-door convertible that can comfortably cruise for miles, BMW is here for you. The 2014 BMW M6 is exactly that, but this doesn’t mean it can’t have fun. It’s still an M Car after all. Following the line of the great M Cars before it with rear-wheel drive and the engine in the front the way God intended it.

No longer naturally aspirated, this new M6 has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 replacing the V-10 lump it previously had. This new engine takes it from zero to 60 in a mere 4.6 seconds and continues to a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. A six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch transmission can be had. Base price is $117,500, which is a small price to pay for a proper fast luxury convertible with an M badge.

There’s only one way to enjoy a car in the summer and that’s topless – topless as in “convertible”, that is. I could fill the page with “wind through your hair” clichés but I’m sure you can all picture the scene and imagine what it would be like to own your own convertible during the time of the year that only requires shorts and shades.

Buying second-hand also saves you a packet as you avoid that nasty and enormous depreciation a car suffers when it leaves the showroom. It’s estimated a new car will automatically lose 20% of its list price once bought. That’s not all – for every year after up to three years, a further 15% can be subtracted, depending on brand.

There are a lot of marques to choose from throughout the price range, so I’ve listed a mixed bag, ensuring you are on the right tracks. These are some of the best selling and most popular convertibles, and whilst I’m not here to lecture you on only buying these cars, it’s good to take sound advice before taking the plunge. Online car search sites are a great way to narrow down a selection within your price range and details, using filters to find exactly what you want. In the US, I normally use Autotrader.com as they let you select up the three different models to search at the same time and it’s easily one of the biggest used car marketplaces out there. Here’s the AutoTrader.com Wikipedia page for info on them. If you’re in the UK, we can recommend Carcraft, which also allows you to whittle down your choice using dropdown menus, including car color, mileage, transmission, etc. Check out the Carcraft Wikipedia for more information on them.

2006 BMW Z4

You can’t really go wrong with German cars – they’re solid and reliable, and it’s for this reason they’re more expensive. It’s also for this reason they don’t depreciate as badly too. You can, however, be assured any moving parts will always work and remain working, great for the convertible mechanisms.

While I’m not crazy about the styling of the BMW Z4, it is a great car, and if you like it all the better for you. BMW is a prestigious brand known for its quality and reliability, great reasons to choose this car if it’s within your price range.

If I were to spend out on a BMW I would want the performance to reflect the price. The 3.0si-L petrol unit offers 265-bhp and good acceleration. With 17″ alloy wheels, the Z4 looks the part and would suit any county lane.
For a model with average miles and FSH (full service history), expect to pay around $21,000, or about £6,000 in the UK. Damn Brits getting European cars so much cheaper than us.

2008 Mazda MX-5

Because of its compact size, great handling and sound reliability, the MX-5 is one of the most popular sports cars of all time. Despite the biggest engine being a 2.0-L petrol unit, the MX-5 still boasts 160 hp – that’ll take care of 60-mph in 7.4 seconds. Reviews on this car are all extremely positive on driver satisfaction and the way it handles. Even though you’ll be enjoying an enthusiastic summer drive, the Mazda still returns an average 37.2 mpg.
You certainly won’t have to look far to find one, and as these are relatively cheap, it’s easy to pick up a great example.

For a stand out example for the year (2008), expect to pay around $16,000 or more, or a measly £7,000 in the UK.

2009 Mercedes SLK 350

I’ve chosen another German car in this excellent Mercedes convertible. Perhaps a little biased, as I’ve owned this exact model, the SLK 350 offers amazing power from its 3.5-L V6 (305 bhp). 60-mph comes at an impressive 5.4 seconds with average mpg just tipping over the 31 mark – not bad for such a big engine. The convertible roof action is something to behold – very fast and neat.

The interior is a dark and luxurious space of full leather. The seats are heated with a built in neck warmer, so whilst this makes for the perfect summer drive, it caters for the colder months too.

This model with average miles and FSH will come in at around the# $30,000 mark in the US and around £18,000 in the UK.

2008 Audi TT Roadster

Nothing says safe and sporty like an Audi, and an Audi TT roadster does that. The 1.8 TFSI 160 sport version is the probably the cheapest model in the range but you wouldn’t know it by looking at it! With a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds and a tank range of 534 miles, this car will have you going fast and economically.

The looks of the TT are classical Audi and it certainly doesn’t look out of place in any environment, be it in the city or out in the country. The handling is wonderfully agile and its easiness to drive makes it an approachable car for everyone.

UK buyers are lucky – they can pick up an Audi TT Convertible starting around £9,000. We have to pay closer to $28,000 in the States. Given, our trim levels in the US start at a higher level, but that also doesn’t allow for a cheaper version of the car.

2008 Porsche Boxster (S)

I don’t need to say much about performance and handling when it comes to this German machine. Whether you choose the 2.7-L or the 3.4-L S engine, the Boxster S will put a smile on your face when you put your foot down under the summer sun. I’d go all out for 3.4-L unit as it offers 295 hp and a 0-62 mph time of just 5.3 seconds. Because these cars are known for their quality build and reliability, they can be used every day, unlike a lot of top end performance cars. Although the Porsche is a serious sports car, servicing and maintenance will cost a lot more than most. Considering its blistering performance, the S will average a solid 29.7 mpg, another reason to consider the bigger engine.

For one of the best marques in the performance car world, expect to pay around $37,000 in the States. Again, UK buyers get this one quite a bit cheaper than we do – if you’re English you can pick this up for as low as £14,000.

This has been a guest post by Jay, who lives in the UK so while we’ve listed prices for both US and UK cars, MPGs are given in UK numbers. In the US, we get a bit less, so don’t come yelling at us when your Boxster S only gets 23 mpg or so!

The 2014 sports car racing season kicks off with a 24-hour event on the road course of Daytona International Speedway. While winning a long-distance sports car race is a crowning achievement by drivers as well as teams, the 2014 edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona holds the additional significance for being the first race under the Tudor United SportsCar Championship. The Tudor United SportsCar Championship brought North American competitors of the American Le Mans Series and the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series under a single sanctioning body. Aside from the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar Championship, many global fans are awaiting the start of the next FIA World Endurance Championship set to commence on April 20th.

With the start of each major sports car series, several faces will be making their first-ever appearances in the sport. Recognizing a fair share of rookie drivers, much of the focus towards new competitors is placed on the race vehicles. 2014 sports car competition has an assortment of new purpose-built and production-based race machines wanting to quickly jump a learning curve for a debut victory.

The following vehicles are among some of the more ambitious new entrants we will find in 2014 sports car racing.

Ford EcoBoost Prototype

Ford is undergoing an all-out effort to elevate their EcoBoost engine technology to a superior position in the automobile world. In the past two months, even the new Ford Mustang will offer a version of the EcoBoost engine family. In 2014, Ford’s EcoBoost power is being put to the test in the highest profile manner yet. The Ford EcoBoost prototype race car joins the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar Championship. Powered by a race version of the 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged, direct injection engine that launched the EcoBoost name, Ford’s new prototype will see the auto company depart from V-8 propulsion.

For the car’s competitive debut for the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona, Ford has entrusted three EcoBoost Prototypes with proven race teams. The reigning Rolex 24 at Daytona overall winning organization Chip Ganassi Racing will be running two of those cars. Winning the event five times in the past eight years, Chip Ganassi enters with an experienced line-up of drivers and a professional pit crew destined to give the Ford EcoBoost Prototype machine the best run possible over 24 hours. Entering the third Ford EcoBoost Prototype machine in the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona is Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian. Pulling out a memorable 2012 victory during the Daytona International Speedway’s sports car classic, the #60 Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian machine should be an interesting vehicle to watch.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro

If you are an avid follower of sports car racing, you are familiar with the exploits of the Audi Sport Team Joest bunch. If you are only a casual viewer of the FIA World Endurance Championship or the 24 Hour of Le Mans, you are also familiar with Audi’s ability to build a winning prototype class sports car. Due to several rule changes and as competition from Toyota and newcomer Porsche is ready to challenge, almost every aspect of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro is changed for the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship season. In a design perspective, the most notable difference for the 2014 car compared to last year’s Audi R18 e-tron quattro is an employment of a front wing.

Two breakthrough technologies will morph the 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro into a competitive lab. The six-cylinder TDi powerplant features the forced-air induction of an electric turbocharger. Electrical power generated through the prototype sports car’s hybrid drivetrain will be divided between operating the turbocharger and moving the front wheels. The second piece of innovative technology Audi will debut on the R18 e-tron quattro is laserlight headlamps.

Porsche 919 Hybrid

The long-awaited return of Porsche to top-tier prototype sports car racing has almost draws closer to being official. Nearly 45 years since the introduction of the famous Porsche 917 that eventually derailed the Ford GT-40 at Le Mans, their newest hybrid gasoline/electric sports car is slated to mark the German brand’s first race back in the prototype class at Le Mans after a 16-year absence. Developed under the Porsche LMP1 name, the race car incorporates a two-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine with an energy recovery system (similar to what is available on the Porsche 918 Spyder street car). In late 2013, Porsche officially designated the LMP1 project vehicle the 919 Hybrid. Spending much of the past year developing the 919 Hybrid in testing, Porsche also assembled an accomplished team of drivers for the 2014 season. Former Formula 1 star with Red Bull Racing Mark Webber may be the most recognized pilot of the Porsche 919 Hybrid in its debut season in the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship. Romain Dumas, Neel Jani, Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb and Brendon Hartley are other members of the 2014 Porsche 919 Hybrid team’s driving line-up.

What proves amusing for the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship is the Porsche 919 Hybrid will be attempting to unseat Audi in the prototype class. Both Porsche and Audi operate under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.

Mazda SkyActiv Prototype

Debuting in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car series’ much-hyped but underdeveloped GX class in 2013, Mazda introduced the North America market to their clean diesel engine technology. Created under their SkyActiv philosophy, the racing version of the Mazda6 sedan premiere at in the 24-hour event was extremely brief with all competing Mazda6 SkyActiv-D cars retiring. Improving over the 2013 season, the SkyActiv-D powerplant gained reliability but was now facing uncertainty of a realigned racing series under the United SportsCar Championship. For 2014, Mazda with the expertise of SpeedSource Racing Engineering and Multimatic Engineering is pressing into the top-tier prototype class.

The 2014 Mazda SkyActiv Prototype was developed swiftly on the lessons learned from GX class competition. Though the shape of the vehicle is new, the SkyActiv-D Clean Diesel engine is nearly identical. Generating nearly 600 pounds feet of torque, the Mazda SkyActiv Prototype features drivetrain improvements addressing an issue the automaker had with the 2013 Mazda6 race car.

The Mazda SkyActiv Prototype will make its debut in the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona with a two-car effort consisting of the #07 and #70. Joel Miller, Tristan Nunez, and Tristan Vautier will drive the #07 car while the driving talents of the #70 will consist of Sylvain Tremblay, Tom Long and James Hinchcliffe.

Chevrolet Corvette C7R

When General Motors launched the modern Corvette Racing program in 1999, the racing pedigree of the brand has since been greatly enhanced by success at Le Mans, Sebring and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. In 2001, the Chevrolet Corvette C5-R was the overall winner of the daylong Daytona sports car event. After continuing success with the Corvette C6.R, the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray spawns the newest GT class contender, the C7.R.

Even before the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar Series season starts, the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R may have set a record. Introduced to the public at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in conjunction with the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z06, the Corvette C7.R race car is making its debut less than two weeks since the unveiling. Heavily borrowing traits of the Z06 supercar model, the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R has also been created as an enhancement over the C6.R. Constructed on a laser-welded aluminum frame, the Corvette C7.R‘s chassis is built in the street Corvette‘s Bowling Green, Kentucky manufacturing facility. The 5.5 liter V-8 powerplant of the Corvette C7.R is required by GT class rules to forgo the Z06’s supercharger but does retain gasoline direct injection.

Still getting over New Year celebrations entering into the second full week of 2014? After all the merriness of a previous season has passed, it appears North American people (especially motorists) are stuck in an unpleasant place where cold weather holds us without mercy. What better time for an indoor spectacle. Known for 25 years as the North American International Auto Show, Detroit is becoming the happening spot for winning over the boredom of car enthusiasts.

An exhibition for what we can be driving on the road in the future by displaying far-out concept cars, the 2014 Detroit Auto Show is naturally focused on the nearer time. A recent period of auto sector accepting frugalness has allowed production cars to dominate inside the Cobo Center. For new car buyers, it means audiences visiting the Detroit show will have a strong sense of amusement entering 2014.

With much of the world’s automotive community convening, the 2014 North American International Auto Show is set to launch a completely new set of production cars.

BMW M4 Coupe

Choosing the 2014 Detroit Auto Show to make the world debut for two prominent M series cars, BMW is the introduction of the sedan and coupe under separate names. The four-door sedan will remain the BMW M3 while the BMW M4 identifies the coupe. Both the BMW M3 and BMW M4 are powered by 3-liter, 6-cylinder engines featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology. Generating 425 horsepower, the BMW M4 Coupe version is capable of traveling from o to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. If you spent part of your holiday playing Gran Turismo 6, you have already had a chance to experiment with the virtual version of the M4 Coupe. The first time to truly absorb the quality of the materials and the dedication to creating a new generation driving machine, the BMW M4 Coupe in Detroit proves there is no replacement to reality.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

It will be hard to accept the notion that the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will be a garden variety sports car a mere one year after it premiered to the public. However, the upcoming introduction of the Corvette’s next level in enhanced performance trim is set to eclipse the conventional Corvette Stingray. A track-capable 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is set to show off unique aerodynamics and chassis enhancements. The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will, of course, have an exciting V-8 engine. Based on a personal estimate, it seems performance for the 2015 Corvette Z06 should be in the range of 550 to 600 horsepower.

Porsche 911 Targa

It is not a convertible but it is not a hardtop, or maybe it is both? The Porsche Targa top has been the ideal vehicle for sports car owners who did not want to commit to a single vehicle type. Approaching the 50th year since Porsche created their popular removable roof model, a new Targa version of the 911 platform sports car will debut in Detroit. The rear-engined flat-6 Porsche 911 Targa will share the strikingly large roof pillars as the vehicle’s predecessors. In addition to the Porsche 911 Targa, the German sports car brand will have the recently debuted Macan crossover and a Platinum Edition of the Cayenne on display in Detroit.

GMC Canyon

When General Motors cancelled production of their previous smaller pickup truck line, there was no immediate promise a replacement was going to be made available to the North American marketplace. Instead of residing itself to similar decision making keeping Ford from issuing the new Ranger to the United States, General Motors has pledged to bring the newly-designed Chevrolet Colorado during the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. For the 2014 North American International Auto Show, a GMC version of the truck will revive the Canyon name. A four-cylinder, six-cylinder and eventually a 2.8 liter Duramax diesel will provide power for the GMC Canyon.

Honda Fit

For many, the Honda Fit is about as exciting as a potato. Granted, it is traditionally difficult to charm drivers with a subcompact car but vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic has taught us we can expect more. Displayed for the first time in the United States, the new 2015 Honda Fit reveal completely reengineered vehicle utilizing the company’s Earth Dreams Technology and ACE body structure. Providing only a teaser image of the rear tail section of the 2015 Fit, the image appears almost identical to the already revealed Japanese version of the Honda Fit.

Volkswagen Golf R

For the 2012 model year, Volkswagen finally privileged the audiences in the United States with a high-performance Golf R. Despite the rather hefty $33,990 base price, the 266-horsepower Volkswagen Golf R found a way into the hearts of sport compact enthusiasts. Making its US debut, the all-new Volkswagen Golf R returns faster and better than the previous model. With a 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the Volkswagen Golf R is accented by sporty side skirts, 18-inch wheels and bi-xenon headlights. Generating 290 horsepower, the new Golf R has an estimated 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration time of 4.9 seconds with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Ford F-150

2015 will be the 40th anniversary that Ford’s F-150 classification will be used on their pickup truck line. Pairing with the milestone will be a completely redesigned expected to be presented for the first time at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. The latest edition of Ford F-150 is expected to follow cues of the Atlas concept (pictured above) shown last year. Following the course of high-tech, light duty trucks exhibited last year with the all-new Chevrolet Silverado, the use of aluminum and the continuing presence of Ford technologies such as EcoBoost is set to be at the heart of this new F-150.

Asked if you are sitting comfortably earlier this month, a clear understanding for interior ergonomics was presented while driving. For the many people who perform a daily commute to their workplace or even for home office workers, extended time at a desk requires similar seating considerations. A comfortable office chair is imperative to a good day’s work.

For cases when you are encouraged to express yourself at your job, wouldn’t it be truthful that many of use would rather be driving a Porsche? Fortunate for fans of the 50-plus year-old Porsche 911, a special office chair has been released earlier this year and is the item for Automoblog.net’s sixth day of car gifts. Prepare to put the pedal to the metal for the Porsche Office Chair.

The Porsche Office Chair is not just another officially licensed piece, the seat incorporates the style and construction of the actual German sports car. The leather office chair is built to the same specifications as those of the sport seats found in the Porsche 911 Carrera. A premium seat for piloting a keyboard or an important conference call, the Porsche Office Chair recreates the sports car’s performance-oriented cockpit ergonomics. As the occupant presses against the Porsche Office Chair’s black premium leather, an electronic backrest adjustment can conform to the desired seating position. Comforted in an upright placement for competing that important report or reclining back after a long meeting, the Porsche Office Chair rolls across the floor on a five-castor assembly. Armrests and a Porsche crest is imprinted onto the chair’s headrest complete the Porsche Office Chair’s racy appearance.

During the fifth day of car gifts, the $15,000-plus Ford Shelby GT500 Golf Car presented an item catered more towards aspiration than a realistic gift to find under the Christmas tree. A retraction from the price tag on the golf cart, the Porsche Office Chair will require you to be sitting you as you digest the $5,690 US cost from the manufacturer. Sorry, we will try to bring the automotive-related gift ideas to a more affordable level for the seventh day.

Porsche’s family grows by one more. The company chose Los Angeles to unveil its newest model, the Macan. If Porsche diehards thought the Cayenne SUV was sacrilegious, news of the new Macan was sure not to please. But honestly, there won’t be anything to worry about when it arrives late next spring.

Why? This compact SUV will do its family heritage justice.

The Macan S can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in five seconds with power coming from a 340-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. Step up to the Turbo model and appreciate the 400-hp generated from its 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6. Oh, you can get from naught to 60 in 4.4 seconds.

Porsche Macan S

You wouldn’t notice with the headlamps off, but it seems Porsche may have ripped a page from the Alfa Romeo styling manual. When illuminated, the lights look as bug-eyed as the Alfa 4C. I have to hand it to Porsche, though, since the Macan’s lights look better executed.

People familiar with Porsche products will be right at home in the Macan. Its ignition lock is positioned to the left of the steering wheel, a common Porsche trait. The console is well thought-out with buttons in easy reach of the driver. Porsche place the tachometer prominently in the center of Macan’s “three-tube” instrument panel. From the driver’s seat, you could almost trick yourself into believing you’re behind the wheel of a Boxster until you check the rear-view mirror to see an additional seat and cargo space.

To be built in Leipzig, Germany, Porsche plans to build 50,000 units per year. The Macan is aimed squarely at competition from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz in terms of size and price. As you’d expect, owning one isn’t going to be terribly cheap. Starting prices for the Macan are $49,900 for the Macan S and $72,300 for the Macan Turbo.

At the recent Hellendorn Rally in the Netherlands, driver Harry Kleinjan became a Youtube legend. He had neatly drifted a sharp left-hand turn in his ultra-rare Porsche 964 RSR.

Its flat-6 wailed as he picked up speed on the short straight. A right turn was fast approaching, and it sounds like Harry drops a gear before he hit the brakes and tries to turn. What happen next is a professional driver’s worst nightmare.

We’re not sure if it was driver or mechanical error, but the brakes on Kleinjan’s 911 immediately lockup, sending him sliding into a concrete barricade. The Porsche then climbs the barricade, sliding across the top to another barricade which sheers off both wheels on the left side of the car. That barricade then falls down and the RSR flips as it flies through the air, finally landing right-side down in a drainage ditch filled with water.

Seriously, could this guy’s life get any cooler? Hollywood star, racing driver, Indycar team owner, and overall way-too-attractive human being Patrick Dempsey managed to wiggle his way into driving a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR at this year’s 24 Hour of Le Mans this past June along with teammates Joe Foster and Patrick Long.

It’s not all about just showing up, of course:

“We started working on coming back before we even left Le Mans in 2009. It is just very difficult, so many factors, so many moving parts, it almost takes more than a year’s worth of planning to race at Le Mans in any given year. We worked constantly to get back and enough came together to make it back this year. In some ways it felt like we were gone for so long but in other ways, with the constant work by Joe and everyone, it seems like we made it back when were ready, and on schedule. Just getting to Le Mans is an amazing feat alone, before you even run the race.”

Preparation leading up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans – one of the most difficult endurance races in the world – must be grueling and tiresome.

Porsche Motorsport put together a video showing two of the teammates – the two Patricks – prepping for the race in the days leading up to the event. Set in a chateau in Who-Knows-Where, France, it gives a funny perspective on how close the teammates need to be and how much practice is involved in prepping.

Needless to say, when in an endurance race, every second counts, and lots of practice has to be done to make sure the drivers transition smoothly during driver changes. Check out the video:

“I think, for me, the Le Mans challenge mentally is the biggest. Staying focused, not worrying about what was going on around me but to just focus on the job at hand. Once you got in the car, quite honestly, that was the easiest thing to deal with. I was more relaxed in the car than I was out of it. I do get sleep but it is not the same as when you are not at the track. Everything is so much more intense at a 24-hour race, and that includes even your sleep, but I am able to do it.”

The team ended up coming in a respectable fourth place in their #77 911 GT3 RSR in the GT-Am class.

If you’re interested in keeping up on this, the Velocity Network began airing a four-part mini-series called Patrick Dempsey: Racing Le Mans that airs on Wednesdays at 9pm CST on Discovery, or check it out on their website.